Investigator Awards 2025 Recipients

Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute (VCHRI) facilitates clinician-scientists in their efforts to make new discoveries to improve the health and well-being of patients across their lifespans. The Investigator Awards provide salary support to leading health research investigators to help reduce their clinical commitments and expand their capacity for innovation-driven research that creates new health care knowledge.

The 2025 VCHRI Investigator Awards recipients are:

• Dr. Richard Bennett, clinical assistant professor in the Department of Medicine at UBC
• Dr. Connor Forbes, assistant professor in the Department of Urologic Sciences at UBC
• Dr. Jenna-Lynn Senger, clinical assistant professor in the Department of Surgery at UBC

Can catheter ablation become a new standard of care for patients with the heart rhythm disorder, ventricular tachycardia storm? 

Ventricular tachycardia (VT) is a heart rhythm disorder caused by electrical short circuits that develop in scar tissue following a heart attack or other heart conditions, such as dilated cardiomyopathy. Because VT is life-threatening, patients often receive a defibrillator, which monitors the heart and can deliver rapid electrical impulses or shocks to restore a normal rhythm. Whilst this device can stop a VT episode, it does not prevent episodes from recurring. 

Experiencing three or more VT episodes within 24 hours is known as VT storm, which is classified as a medical emergency and linked to poor patient outcomes. There are two main treatment options available that aim to reduce the chances of VT storm recurring — antiarrhythmic medications and catheter ablation. Current standard of care involves the use of antiarrhythmic medications acutely, reserving catheter ablation if VT storm recurs. However, limited observational data suggests that early catheter ablation, rather than medications alone, might be associated with improved outcomes. 

Dr. Bennett’s study will further explore the potential benefits of early catheter ablation by randomizing patients with an initial presentation of VT storm to receive the current standard of care with antiarrhythmic medications or an early catheter ablation procedure within seven days. His study will examine differences in outcomes between the two treatment strategies, including the recurrence of VT storm, repeat hospitalizations and mortality.

“We hypothesize that early catheter ablation may result in a reduction in VT-related events,” explains Dr. Bennett. “Our study has the potential to significantly change the management of VT storm and improve patient well-being worldwide.”

How can 3D modelling of benign prostate hyperplasia elevate personalized diagnostics and treatments?

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the fourth most diagnosed condition in males over the age of 50, affecting up to 80 per cent of individuals during their lifetime. This benign enlargement of the prostate does not spread but can obstruct the urethra, making urination increasingly difficult with age. Urinary challenges significantly impact patients’ quality of life and may lead to kidney dysfunction, urinary tract infections and the need for surgical intervention.

Treatment options for BPH include medications, which target two known pathways: smooth muscle and male hormones. However, 10 per cent of patients do not respond to the standard of care and require surgery to treat their BPH within five years.

In response to these challenges, Dr. Forbes developed a 3D model of BPH in which the prostate either remains static or grows, offering researchers comparative scenarios of disease progression to analyze and assess differences in cellular mechanisms that may contribute to BPH development. The research team is paying particular attention to the presence of glucocorticoid hormones in the growth state of BPH, as higher glucocorticoid levels have been linked to BPH patients who required surgery. 

“My goal is to elevate care for men with BPH through the development of advanced tools and research pathways that can lead to personalized prognostication and treatment , including drug discovery,” explains Dr. Forbes. “Leveraging clinical features to drive basic science discovery will help us translate our findings into improved patient outcomes.”

Can intermittent hypoxia improve treatment of diabetes-related nerve damage and poor wound healing?

Diabetes is a major global health concern that disproportionately affects Indigenous communities and leads to serious, life-altering complications. One of the most debilitating effects of diabetes is damage to the nerves, skin, bones and muscles in the feet and legs. This damage can cause chronic pain, numbness and difficulty walking, increasing the risk of foot ulcers and amputation. Additionally, diabetes slows the body’s healing process and weakens muscles and bones, making falls and fractures more likely.

Dr. Senger’s research investigates the application of a promising new treatment called acute intermittent hypoxia (AIH) for diabetes care. AIH involves alternating between breathing regular levels of oxygen and short intervals of low-oxygen levels over a two-hour period. This technique has already shown potential in promoting nerve regeneration and improving function in conditions such as spinal cord injury. Her study explores the potential of AIH to support diabetic patients by repairing nerve damage, enhancing wound healing and strengthening muscles and bones.

“This research has the potential to offer a new, non-invasive treatment option for people with diabetes experiencing nerve damage, poor wound healing and muscle or bone weakness,” says Dr. Senger. “AIH could reduce the risk of amputations and empower individuals with diabetes to lead more active, healthier lives.”